What is the key difference between Collective Memory and SmartMemory?

Collective Memory belongs to the Knowledge & Memory category with local stdio execution, while SmartMemory belongs to the Knowledge & Memory category with local stdio execution.

How do I install Collective Memory or SmartMemory in Claude Desktop or Cursor?

Copy the mcpServers JSON configuration snippet provided on this page into your claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json file and restart your AI client.

Are Collective Memory and SmartMemory free or paid?

Collective Memory operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required). SmartMemory operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required).

Which MCP server has more tools and community activity?

Collective Memory lists 0 tools with 0 views and 0 GitHub stars. SmartMemory lists 0 tools with 0 views and 0 GitHub stars.

Can I use both Collective Memory and SmartMemory together in the same MCP host?

Yes! MCP hosts like Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, Cline, and VS Code support configuring multiple servers under the mcpServers object simultaneously.

How do I install Collective Memory or SmartMemory in Claude Desktop, Cursor, or Windsurf?

Both servers follow the standard Model Context Protocol configuration format. Simply copy the JSON block from the configuration section above and paste it into your AI client's mcpServers configuration object (for instance in claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json ), then completely restart or refresh the application.

Are Collective Memory and SmartMemory free to use, or do they require API keys?

Collective Memory is listed under a Free / Open Source model with No auth required . SmartMemory operates under a Free / Open Source model with No auth required . If environment variables are required (such as API keys), be sure to define them under the env key in your MCP client's configuration file.

Can I run both Collective Memory and SmartMemory at the same time in my AI client?

Yes! MCP clients support multi-server orchestration. You can include both collective-memory and smartmemory as distinct keys inside the single mcpServers object in your configuration file. Your AI assistant will automatically select and call the appropriate tool from either server during chat sessions.

Which MCP server has higher directory engagement and quality ratings?

On AllMCPs, Collective Memory has a Quality Score of 39 /100 ( Fair ) with 0 views, 0 installs, and 0 GitHub stars. SmartMemory holds a Quality Score of 24 /100 ( Emerging ) with 0 views, 0 installs, and 0 GitHub stars.

Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison

Collective Memory vs SmartMemory

In-depth architectural comparison of the Collective Memory and SmartMemory MCP servers. Compare execution transports, security boundaries, tool capabilities, quality scores, and ready-to-paste client installation snippets for Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code.

At a Glance & Executive Verdict

Collective Memory

Knowledge & Memory · Local stdio

Quality: 39/100 (Fair) | Auth: No auth required

SmartMemory

Knowledge & Memory · Local stdio

Quality: 24/100 (Emerging) | Auth: No auth required

Verdict Summary: Choose Collective Memory if you need specialized Knowledge & Memory tools running via a local process. Choose SmartMemory if your workspace requires Knowledge & Memory integration with local subprocess execution. Both servers can be configured concurrently in your client's mcpServers manifest.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose Collective Memory when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Knowledge & Memory domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore Collective Memory Details

Choose SmartMemory when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Knowledge & Memory domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore SmartMemory Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	C Collective Memory Knowledge & Memory	S SmartMemory Knowledge & Memory
Summary	MCP server for persistent, semantic memory across AI sessions	Neuro-symbolic memory for LLMs (POC)
Category & Scope	Knowledge & Memory	Knowledge & Memory
Quality signal

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Collective Memory Tools (0)

No explicit tool names declared in metadata yet. Check project README on main listing page.

SmartMemory Tools (0)

No explicit tool names declared in metadata yet. Check project README on main listing page.

Ready-to-Paste Client Configurations

Paste either (or both) of these JSON server blocks into your client config file (e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json).

Collective Memory Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "collective-memory": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "collective-memory"
      ]
    }
  }
}

SmartMemory Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "smartmemory": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "smartmemory"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Frequently Asked Questions

Collective Memory is categorized under Knowledge & Memory and uses a local stdio subprocess. In contrast, SmartMemory belongs to Knowledge & Memory using local stdio subprocess. Select Collective Memory when you need capabilities focused on knowledge & memory and SmartMemory when you require tools for knowledge & memory.

More alternatives to Collective Memory More alternatives to SmartMemory Knowledge & Memory category hub